Search form

Submissions Now Open: 2023 LXiA Spark Animation Grant

Supported by Netflix, the community outreach program awards 3 emerging independent Latinx animation filmmakers with money, mentorship, and support for production of an animated short film; the submission deadline is February 3.

Submissions are now open for this year’s LXiA Spark Animation Grant, a program designed to support emerging and independent Latinx animation filmmakers and artists in producing an independent animated short film. Supported by Netflix, the program promotes the presence of Latinx animation filmmakers and highlights their unique ideas and perspectives while elevating the creativity and talent in the Latinx community.

LXiA’s Founder & Co-Director, Magdiela Hermida Duhamel, remarked, “Netflix’s generous support has helped make this grant possible, and we are honored that they have committed to expanding the grant program for 2023.”

“We’ve learned a lot of lessons from last year’s grant recipients, which has helped us grow this program even more thoughtfully,” added Bryan Dimas, LXiA’s Co-Founder and Co-Director. “We can’t wait to see the impact of the Spark Animation Grant among the Latinx animation community.”

The 2023 LXiA Spark Animation Grant program will award three visionary animation filmmakers with a grant of $20,000 each. Grant fellows work with a Producer/Mentor who will produce, guide, and offer expertise throughout the production of the short film, as well as an industry mentor, including creatives at Netflix, who will offer their advice, experience, and guidance through the production of their short films. In addition, Fellows will participate in a series of workshops tailored to support them through the various stages of short film production. Completed short films will screen as part of Animation Day at LALIFF 2024.

Netflix’s support of the LXiA Spark Grant builds on its partnership with the Latino Film Institute, and is part of Netflix's Fund for Creative Equity, an effort to create more behind-the-camera opportunities for underrepresented communities within the TV and film industries.

Back to Normal creator and Spark Animation Grant recipient for 2022, Cecilia De-Jesus, shared, “For me, receiving the Spark Grant has been an amazing opportunity to express myself as a storyteller, and it has given me the chance to work with some incredibly talented people. I can’t wait to see what the next cohort comes up with.”

Anthony “Ant” Gallegos, the creator of Urie and Spark Animation 2022 Grant recipient, noted, “Receiving this grant has been an excellent opportunity to make a film I've wanted to make for a long time. More than that, though, it's been super inspiring to meet and learn from so many Latinx[s] in the industry, and it makes me even more excited about what I can do after finishing this project. I hope the next recipients feel the same inspiration crafting their art through this program.”

The LXiA Spark Animation Grant will be awarded to individual Latinx filmmakers living and working in the United States. Because the purpose of the grant is to help support a singular, complete short film, the grant will not be available to students or for commercial projects (including music videos, TV show pitches, or web series).

The Spark Animation Grant is now accepting submissions through Friday, February 3, 2023, at 11:59 pm PT. Additional information is available here.

Source: LatinX in Animation

Debbie Diamond Sarto's picture

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.